Vehicle accident kills two in Portage

ANCHORAGE (AP) -- A pickup truck veered into oncoming traffic and struck a sedan in Portage on Wednesday, killing two boys and injuring two other occupants of the car, Alaska State Troopers said.

Kevin D. Blake, 15, of Tatitlek and Kenneth Kramer, 11, of Wasilla were killed in the crash. Troopers said Blake was driving the car.

Passengers David Glasen, 61, and Patsy Glasen, 57, of Tatitlek were ejected from the car. David Glasen suffered head injuries and a broken hip. Patsy Glasen suffered head injuries. They were transported to Providence hospital in Anchorage.

Troopers identified the driver of the pickup as Robert Richardson, 35, of Anchorage. Troopers said Richardson was driving on Portage Glacier Road toward the Seward Highway when he crossed the center line at Mile 1.3 shortly before 5 p.m.

Richardson was transported to Alaska Regional Hospital with a broken leg, a severed finger and a lacerated aorta.

The impact of the crash tore the driver's side off the sedan.

The Portage road and the tunnel to Whittier were closed to traffic until 9:30 p.m.

Troopers said the driver of the sedan was wearing a seat belt, but it was unknown if the other occupants were.